OYEBANJI DEFENDS RE-ELECTION WITH INEC DOCUMENTS, CLOSES CASE AT EKITI TRIBUNAL.

OYEBANJI DEFENDS RE-ELECTION WITH INEC DOCUMENTS, CLOSES CASE AT EKITI TRIBUNAL.

BY ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday tendered key documents before the Election Petitions Tribunal in defence of the victory he achieved at the June 20 governorship election.

Oyebanji, the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who is the 2nd Respondent in separate petitions filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Action Alliance (AA), opened his defence by tendering the documents and subsequently closed his defence thereafter.

In the petitions filed against his return by the two opposition parties, the Ekiti Governor through his lead counsel, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN tendered Certified True Copies (CTCs) of sensitive electoral documents obtained from the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The documents tendered by the Governor included Form EC8D, which was the Summary of results from the Local Government Areas Collation at the state level; Form EC8E, which was the official result sheet for the governorship election as declared at the conclusion of collation and the INEC official receipt for payment of CTCs of election results.

In the two petitions, all the documents tendered by the 2nd Respondent (Oyebanji) were admitted and marked as exhibits. There was no objection to the admissibility of the documents tendered by the Governor from the lead counsel to INEC, Mr Sulaiman Ibrahim, SAN and Mrs Olaoluwa Adeoti, who held brief for the lead counsel to SDP and AA, Mr Adewole Adebayo.

Ikpeazu said having reviewed the evidence led in chief by the petitioners and the evidence led by Oyebanji's legal team during the cross-examination of the witnesses brought to court by the petitioners, the 2nd Respondent had no intention to call any witness.

Ikpeazu, on behalf of the Governor applied to close the case of his client before the tribunal. There was no objection from counsel to the petitioners (SDP and AA) and counsel to INEC.

Earlier in the day, counsel to INEC, Mr Sulaiman Ibrahim, SAN and his colleague, Mrs Wendy Kuku, SAN also tendered relevant documents in support of the conduct and declaration of results of the election conducted by the nation's foremost electoral agency.

The documents tendered by INEC legal team included CTCs of Form EC8D, the summary of results from all the 16 local government areas collated at the state level and Form EC8E which was the official result sheet for the Ekiti governorship election.

There was no objection from counsel to Oyebanji and counsel to SDP and AA to the admissibility of the documents. The documents were subsequently admitted and marked as exhibits by the three-member panel led by the Chairman, Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi.

While Ibrahim closed the case for INEC in the SDP petition, Kuku closed the case for the electoral umpire in the AA petition.

The two senior lawyers while closing their client's case in the two petitions said they were satisfied with the evidence obtained during the evidence in chief of the petitioners' witnesses and in their cross-examination by the respondents' counsel.

Panel Chairman, Justice Kutigi in short rulings for the two petitions urged all parties to file and exchange written addresses and replies within the time allowed by law. He subsequently adjourned the sitting till Friday, November 20 for the adoption of written addresses by parties in the petitions.

All lead counsel to parties in the petitions commended the judges on the panel for their industry and patience praying for wisdom in the onerous assignment of scrutinizing all the evidence before them as the proceedings gradually inch to conclusion.

The SDP and AA had closed their cases before the Tribunal on Thursday, October 24 with no further witnesses to call as the day fell on the final day allowed by law for the prosecution of their petitions.

Oyebanji, the APC candidate, polled 319,224 votes to secure a historic back-to-back re-election beating the candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Wole Oluyede who scored 40,543 votes to the seond place. Oluyede had withdrawn a petition he earlier filed from the Tribunal.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) flag bearer in the governorship poll, Chief Dare Bejide came third with 12,872 votes. Bejide did not file any petition before the Tribunal.

The SDP candidate, Mr Adebayo Alade who later withdrew from his party's petition, polled 179 votes while the AA flag bearer, Mr Olu Omotoso scored 126 votes at the 2026 Ekiti governorship poll.

Ekiti Central Deserves Continuity as Bamidele Proves His Mettle, Says Ajijola.

Ekiti Central Deserves Continuity as Bamidele Proves His Mettle, Says Ajijola.

An All Progressives Congress chieftain and Executive Director of the South West Development Commission, Chief Lateef Ajijola, popularly known as Always Standing, has praised the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, for his contributions to infrastructural development in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, urging the electorate to re-elect him for another term.

Ajijola made the call during a visit to the newly approved Federal University of Technology in Iyin-Ekiti, where he expressed satisfaction with the institution's rapid development and commended efforts to expand federal government presence in the state.

The APC chieftain attributed some of the development strides recorded in Ekiti Central to Bamidele's legislative influence and capacity to attract federal projects to the district.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu's administration for what he described as its commitment to equitable development across the South-West region, noting that the establishment of federal institutions and other infrastructure projects would create opportunities for residents and stimulate economic growth.

Ajijola stressed that the electorate should sustain the gains recorded in the senatorial district by supporting leaders who, according to him, had demonstrated the capacity to deliver meaningful development.

He urged voters in Ekiti Central to support the APC in the forthcoming elections, expressing confidence that continuity in representation would help consolidate existing achievements and attract further development projects to the area.

The APC chieftain maintained that effective representation should be measured by its impact on the lives of the people, adding that sustained collaboration between elected representatives and the Federal Government remained important to the development of Ekiti State.

AGBEYEWA CUP 2026: IGEDE BAPTIST HIGH SCHOOL, COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OSIN-EKITI SET FOR FINAL SHOWDOWN.

AGBEYEWA CUP 2026: IGEDE BAPTIST HIGH SCHOOL, COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OSIN-EKITI SET FOR FINAL SHOWDOWN.

The race for the 2026 Agbeyewa Cup trophy has reached its climax, with Igede Baptist High School, Igede-Ekiti, and Community High School, Osin-Ekiti, securing their places in the final following their respective semi-final victories. The two schools will now go head-to-head for the coveted title as the fourth edition of the tournament reaches its decisive moment, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the competition.

Both finalists will clash on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, with the ultimate prize of ₦1 million at stake. Having navigated the challenges of the competition to reach the final, the schools will be looking to deliver a decisive performance, with victory offering not only the championship title but also the opportunity to cap their tournament campaigns on a high note.

Meanwhile, Ilumoba Government Secondary School, Ilumoba-Ekiti, and Moba Government Secondary School, Otun-Ekiti, will compete in the third-place match scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at the same venue. Both schools will seek to finish among the tournament's top three teams, making the encounter another important fixture in the closing stages of this year's competition.

The journey to the final has once again highlighted the footballing potential of secondary school students across Ekiti State, with participating schools demonstrating determination, teamwork and competitive spirit throughout the tournament. As the finalists prepare for the showdown, attention will turn to which school can rise to the occasion, withstand the pressure and etch its name on the Agbeyewa Cup Hall Of Fame.

Beyond the pursuit of silverware, the Agbeyewa Cup Tournament remains a platform for youth development, using football to promote discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork and positive engagement among young people in Ekiti State.

#AgbeyewaCup2026 #AgbeyewaCupTournament 

#EkitiFootball #YouthDevelopment #EkitiStateSports

OYEBANJI SEEKS ASSEMBLY’S APPROVAL FOR THREE COMMISSIONERS, 10 SPECIAL ADVISERS.

OYEBANJI SEEKS ASSEMBLY’S APPROVAL FOR THREE COMMISSIONERS, 10 SPECIAL ADVISERS.

Barely 10 days after his inauguration for a second term, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has written to the State House of Assembly, seeking approval for the reappointment of three commissioners who served in his first-term administration.

The Governor also sought the Assembly’s approval for the appointment of 10 Special Advisers to assist in the day-to-day administration of the State.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, on Monday, Governor Oyebanji requested the screening and confirmation of the following nominees:

1. Mr Dayo Apata (SAN) – Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice

2. Mr Akintunde Oyebode – Commissioner for Finance

3. Dr Oyebanji Filani – Commissioner for Health and Human Services

The proposed appointments reflect the Governor’s intention to constitute key components of his administration early and ensure continuity in critical sectors of governance.

While the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice is constitutionally required, the Governor also considers the finance and health portfolios crucial to the effective take-off of the new administration, particularly in view of prevailing developments in the country.

The request for the confirmation of the nominees comes as the administration begins its second term, with a focus on sustaining governance and strengthening service delivery across the State.

It will be recalled that Governor Oyebanji last week approved appointments in the power and road infrastructure, as well as the transportation sectors.

Signed 

Olayinka Oyebode 

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor 

26-10-2026

NURSING AND EXCELLENCE AT EKSU: A DEPARTMENT SETTING THE PACE IN NURSING EDUCATION.

NURSING AND EXCELLENCE AT EKSU: A DEPARTMENT SETTING THE PACE IN NURSING EDUCATION. 

By OMOTAYO, Peter Olatunde. 

Excellence is the quality of being exceptionally good, superior, or distinguished by outstanding performance. In recent years, reports emerging from the Department of Nursing Science, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, have demonstrated that the department is steadily establishing itself as a centre of academic excellence, professional competence, and moral discipline.

Through impressive examination results, highly qualified academic staff, modern learning facilities, and strong clinical training partnerships, the department has continued to produce nursing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional values required to excel in the healthcare sector.

Today, the Department of Nursing Science has strengthened its position as a promising destination for nursing education in Southwest Nigeria, recording remarkable milestones that reflect the university's commitment to quality education and professional development.

The Department of Nursing Science at EKSU was established on May 2, 2017, through the initiative of the then Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Kehinde S. Oluwadiya, who initiated the necessary contacts and engagements with relevant stakeholders to actualise the establishment of the programme.

Located within the College of Medicine, the department commenced operations with an admission quota of 50 students. This was subsequently increased to 100 students following the institution's fulfilment of the relevant requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

The maiden set, comprising 54 students—47 females and seven males—was admitted during the 2019/2020 academic session, marking the beginning of what has become an encouraging success story in nursing education at the university.

One of the most remarkable features of the department is its consistent record of excellent performance in professional examinations and academic assessments.

The pioneer set was inducted into the nursing profession on December 12, 2024, following its successful academic training. The students recorded a 100 per cent success rate in the Professional Basic National Midwifery Examination conducted by the NMCN, with Miss Ogunbunmi Abisola Mary emerging as the overall best-graduating student.

This achievement demonstrated the effectiveness of the department's teaching methods, academic supervision, and commitment to preparing students for the demands of professional nursing practice.

The second set, comprising 59 students, also recorded impressive academic results. Among the graduates, Oyedotun Oluwanifemi Emmanuel distinguished himself by graduating with First Class Honours and emerging as the overall best-graduating student.

The third set has equally sustained the department's record of excellence. During the third induction and oath-taking ceremony held on October 20, 2026, the university celebrated another milestone in the department's development.

Notably, two of the 38 students in the set, Ikusemori Peter Oluwatobi and Igbalajobi Easy Olamiji, distinguished themselves with distinction-level performances in the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) programme.

In addition, Ajayi Ifedolapo Mary and Igbalajobi Easy Olamiji recorded credit passes in the professional midwifery examinations conducted by the NMCN in September 2026, alongside distinction-level performances in their BNSc final examinations.

These accomplishments further demonstrate the department's determination to maintain high academic standards and produce graduates capable of meeting the evolving demands of the healthcare profession.

With three sets of graduates recording 100 per cent success in their respective examinations, the department has established an encouraging tradition of academic and professional achievement.

A major factor contributing to these outstanding results is the calibre of academic staff engaged by the university under the leadership of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele.

The administration has continued to demonstrate a commitment to advancing academic excellence through the provision of qualified personnel and an enabling environment for teaching, learning, and research.

Under the leadership of the Head of Department, Dr. Olofin-Samuel Mary Ayodeji, the academic staff have remained committed to effective teaching, research, mentorship, and the professional development of students.

Their dedication to imparting knowledge, strengthening students' clinical competence, and upholding professional ethics has contributed significantly to the department's growing reputation.

The combination of experienced lecturers, effective academic supervision, and a commitment to continuous improvement has helped create an environment where students are encouraged to pursue excellence in both theoretical knowledge and practical nursing skills.

Another important factor behind the department's progress is its purpose-built Nursing Science Complex, which provides an enabling environment for teaching, research, and professional training.

The facility is equipped with modern offices, laboratories, seminar rooms, and a mini-library, providing students and lecturers with essential resources for academic and practical activities.

The availability of these facilities has strengthened the department's capacity to deliver quality nursing education and prepare students for the realities of contemporary healthcare practice.

During the third induction and oath-taking ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated his administration's determination to expand the facilities available to the department and upgrade the programme to meet internationally recognised standards.

This commitment reflects the university's broader vision of developing its academic programmes, improving infrastructure, and positioning EKSU as a competitive institution in professional education.

Beyond classroom instruction and laboratory activities, clinical experience remains an essential component of nursing education.

The role of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in the training of nursing students is therefore crucial. Through clinical exposure, students have opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge, develop practical skills, interact with patients, and gain experience in different aspects of healthcare delivery.

This partnership between the university's academic environment and the teaching hospital's clinical setting helps prepare students to become competent, confident, and responsible professionals.

It also exposes them to the realities of patient care, teamwork, professional ethics, and the importance of delivering quality healthcare services.

The integration of academic learning with practical clinical experience is a major advantage in preparing graduates who can compete favourably with their counterparts in other institutions and contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.

In another significant development, the university has secured approval from the appropriate authorities, including the University Senate and the National Universities Commission, for a postgraduate nursing programme.

The development is expected to expand the university's contribution to advanced nursing education, research, professional specialisation, and the development of future academic and clinical leaders in the healthcare sector.

The introduction of postgraduate nursing education will also provide opportunities for qualified nurses to pursue further academic advancement without necessarily looking beyond the institution.

This milestone represents another step towards strengthening the university's academic profile and broadening its contribution to the development of the nursing profession.

The department's achievements have contributed to its growing visibility among prospective students seeking admission to study Nursing Science.

The increasing interest in the programme reflects the importance attached to quality nursing education, professional competence, and the opportunities available within the healthcare sector.

However, the growing demand also presents a challenge, as the number of candidates seeking admission reportedly exceeds the department's current admission capacity.

This situation underscores the need for continued investment in infrastructure, academic personnel, clinical training facilities, and other essential resources to accommodate more qualified candidates while maintaining the standards that have contributed to the department's success.

With the university's leadership demonstrating a commitment to expanding facilities and improving academic programmes, there is considerable potential for the department to increase its capacity and reach more aspiring nursing professionals.

The progress recorded by the Department of Nursing Science, EKSU, Ado-Ekiti, within a relatively short period is worthy of recognition.

From its establishment in 2017 to the admission of its pioneer students in the 2019/2020 academic session, and the subsequent achievements of its graduating sets, the department has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, professional competence, and the advancement of nursing education.

Its achievements are supported by the dedication of academic staff, the provision of modern infrastructure, clinical training opportunities at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, and the commitment of the university management under Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele.

As the department continues to expand its academic offerings and strengthen its facilities, the need for sustained investment and institutional support remains important to its long-term success.

Ultimately, the goal of nursing education extends beyond producing graduates who excel in examinations. It involves nurturing compassionate, disciplined, knowledgeable, and competent professionals who can provide quality healthcare, respond effectively to emerging health challenges, and contribute to the wellbeing of society.

With its growing record of achievement, commitment to professional standards, and focus on continuous improvement, the Department of Nursing Science at Ekiti State University is well positioned to strengthen its reputation and contribute more significantly to the future of nursing education in Nigeria.

The department's story is a testament to what can be achieved when quality academic leadership, dedicated lecturers, appropriate infrastructure, and effective clinical partnerships work together towards a common goal: excellence in nursing education.

We sincerely appreciate the Governor of Ekiti State and Visitor to the University, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Chancellor, members of the Governing Council, management, staff, alumni and development partners for their immense support and investment in making nursing education at Ekiti State University (EKSU) a success.

Omotayo Peter Olatunde is a staff of Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Ekiti State University,(EKSU) Ado Ekiti.

Ekiti among top three finalists for 2026 National Pension Awards.

Ekiti among top three finalists for 2026 National Pension Awards.

Ekiti State has emerged one of the top three finalists for the 2026 National Pension Award under the category of “State of the Year in the Implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).”

The announcement was formally communicated by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) through an official notification signed by the Acting Director of the Commission's States Operations Department, Mr Akinsola Adeseun.

According to PenCom, the nomination came in recognition of Ekiti State government’s remarkable strides in adopting, executing, and sustaining the Contributory Pension Scheme. The statement noted that Ekiti State’s pension management efforts stand out as a model for promoting sustainable pension systems and safeguarding retirees' financial future.

"This nomination is in recognition of the remarkable strides recorded by the Ekiti State Government in the implementation of the CPS and underscores the Commission’s commitment to fostering pension reforms and promoting a sustainable pension system across the country”, the letter reads. 

The statement also disclosed that the winner of the State of the Year award will be announced during the grand Award Presentation Ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, 29 October 2026 at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The nomination marks a major boost for Ekiti State, reflecting continuous efforts of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to ensure prompt remittance of worker contributions, and guarantee long-term stability for its workforce upon retirement.

NIYI JOHN OLAJIDE: A MAN WHO INSPIRES!

NIYI JOHN OLAJIDE: A MAN WHO INSPIRES!

By Dauda Lawal (ADL).

The world does not celebrate great men merely for the wealth they accumulate, but for the lives they touch, the opportunities they create and the legacies they leave behind. On October 21, 2026, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree on Niyi John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, in recognition of his business achievements and contributions to enterprise, employment generation and societal development. This was more than an academic distinction; it was an institutional endorsement of the power of enterprise to creating value and transforming lives. Coming from an institution founded by Aare Afe Babalola, one of Ekiti's most distinguished builders of institutions, the honour carries profound symbolic significance. It invites a deeper reflection on the achievements of a global investor whose growing influence is increasingly being felt in the economic development of his home state.

For Ekiti State, the significance of this recognition goes far beyond the prestige of an honorary doctorate. Through Cavista Holdings' investments in Agbeyewa Farms and Glocient Hospitality, which manages Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Olajide is helping to reposition agriculture and tourism as engines of economic growth. Agbeyewa's cassava enterprise represents the possibilities of large-scale commercial agriculture, industrial processing and employment creation, while Ikogosi offers renewed opportunities for tourism, hospitality, conferences and related businesses. Together, these investments demonstrate how private capital, when backed by vision and a long-term commitment, can complement government efforts to stimulate economic activity and improve livelihoods. For a state with considerable agricultural potential and remarkable natural attractions, the significance of these investments lies not merely in the businesses established, but in the opportunities they create for workers, young people, entrepreneurs and host communities.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, in his remarks at the ceremony, commended Olajide for his investments and his commitment to the development of Ekiti State. His acknowledgement underscored the importance of private-sector partnerships in advancing the state's economic ambitions. The governor's recognition was particularly significant because it connected Olajide's business achievements to a wider development agenda: attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening productive industries and expanding economic opportunities for the people. The message was clear: government cannot build a prosperous society alone. It needs investors who are prepared to commit resources, take risks and build enterprises capable of creating lasting value. In this regard, Olajide's growing investments represent an important contribution to Ekiti's economic aspirations and a compelling example of how business leadership can support public development goals.

The traditional rulers' tributes at the award ceremony added a powerful cultural and historical dimension to the occasion. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, commended Olajide's accomplishments and contributions, recognising the significance of his investments and commitment to development. The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, made a particularly striking observation about Ekiti's need for more people like Olajide to complement the developmental contributions of Aare Afe Babalola. His remarks captured an important truth about the future of Ekiti: sustainable development requires more successful sons and daughters who can translate their achievements into investments, institutions and opportunities at home. When a governor acknowledges an investor's contribution and revered traditional rulers publicly celebrate his impact, the recognition transcends personal achievement. It becomes a statement about the kind of leadership, enterprise and commitment the state needs to move forward.

What, then, does this honour mean for Niyi John Olajide's reputation, his businesses and his place in Ekiti's development story? It strengthens his standing as an investor whose achievements are increasingly associated with the economic future of his home state. Yet the greatest measure of his legacy will not be the awards he receives, but the jobs sustained, the communities empowered, the industries strengthened and the opportunities created for generations to come. His story is still unfolding, but the recognition by ABUAD, reinforced by the commendations of Governor Oyebanji, the Ooni of Ife and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, marks a significant moment in his public profile. For Ekiti, Olajide represents the promise of a new development partnership between enterprise and society. For Nigeria, his journey offers a reminder that successful businesses can become instruments of national progress. 

Ultimately, greatness is not simply about how far a man travels or how much wealth he builds; it is about how many lives he transforms and how much progress he brings home. Niyi John Olajide is a man whose journey continues to inspire.

Adl, is the Director of Community Engagement, Agbeyewa Farms